In a newborn puppy or kitten, the testes are small, soft and can move between scrotum and inguinal canal, especially when the pup is stressed or frightened [2,3]. Keep reading to learn more about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment for cryptorchidism in cats. If the cat has been rescued and you are unsure if it has been castrated or if it's testicles are retained within the body, the penis will be checked for the presence of barbs. can more easily diagnosis cryptorchidism if it is present. Cryptorchidism refers to the failure of one or both testicles (testes) to descend into the scrotum. Control of cryptorchidism can be accomplished by removal of the cryptorchid dogs and preferably their dam and sires from breeding programs. Performing a full neuter on affected cats will help reduce the chance of cancer development and will prevent the possibility of testicular torsion. An undescended testicle (or "testis") is when it fails to drop into the normal place in the scrotum. The cat will first be anesthetized, shaved, and prepped for surgery. Your vet might even give you a specific type of food to feed your cat. Cryptorchidism surgery. Even though unilateral cryptorchids produce abnormal sperm quality, due to adverse effect of high body temperature in the abdominal cavity, they can impregnate a female in estrus. After most surgical procedures, your cat needs almost one week to recover. The first reason is to remove the genetic defect from the breed line. The surgery is relatively routine, and the outcomes are overwhelmingly positive. Testicular descent is complete by about day 10 after birth in normal dogs [1]. The reason for this may be that the temperature inside the body is too high and sperm are unable to form normally. Activity should limited through the duration of healing and the cat should be kept indoors. Log in 24/7 to access your pets health care information. TUTORIAL - Male Cat Cryptorchid in Abdomen - YouTube 0:00 / 5:55 Sign in to confirm your age This video may be inappropriate for some users. Damage to the ureters and abdominal hernia are among the most common postoperative complications. Pain drugs are only effective for a limited period of time and may begin to wear off, causing your cats respiration to rise as a result (fast, short breaths). Cat owners need to keep an eye out for signs of swelling, pus, or bleeding near the surgical site.
Cryptorchidism: What is it, Causes, and Potential Surgery Options Those cryptorchid cats who are neutered early before any difficulties arise have a perfect chance of a long and prosperous life. This presents as sudden severe abdominal pain and requires immediate treatment because the testicle will cut off its own blood supply and become necrotic. The standard protocol for this test is to determine testosterone levels in a blood sample drawn before and 60 minutes after injection of GnRH at doses of 2 g/kg or 50 g/dog, IM [21]. Symptoms to watch for include: While the exact reason that some cats fail to have their testicles descend is unknown, the condition does seem to affect purebred cats exponentially more than mixed-breed house cats. This incision will be extended using surgical scissors. Cats who have produced kittens with genetic defects, or who possess genetic defects themselves, should not be allowed to reproduce. The consequences of some causes are more severe than those of others. When only one testicle can be palpated in the scrotum and the other testicle cannot be located, the retained testicle is assumed to be abdominal. By the time a kitten reaches the age of six months, both testicles should have descended into the scrotum of the male reproductive system. Excessive or continuous blood drainage is a problem. If a testis is proving difficult to find, following the ductus deferens on an X-ray image can help locate the retained testis. My cat isnt able to urinate. When a testicle is retained in the abdomen, it can twist and cut off blood supply to the testicle . Some dogs experience a common defect known as cryptorchidism, which requires special attention. Postpubertal abnormalities associated with cryptorchidism (e.g., testis tumors, atypical concentrations of reproductive hormones, altered Cats that have undergone abdominal cryptorchid orchiectomy will take longer to recover compared to cats that have received a standard neuter. The most common signs of cryptorchidism are male marking behavior (spraying), male cat-associated odors, and aggression. The cost of abdominal cryptorchid orchiectomy will vary based on standards of living and additional costs incurred, but typically ranges from $300 to $1,000. Selective breeding should be used to help decrease cases of cryptorchidism. Your cat may be a little out of sorts after having surgery, but with a little extra love and attention from you, theyll soon be back to pouncing, exploring, and playing like they used to. However, if you have any reason to be concerned, do not hesitate to contact the hospital immediately.
Assistance Program - Spay/Neuter Your Pet (SNYP) If both testicles are in the inguinal canal, there will also be two incisions. The risk of developing testicular cancer is estimated to be at least ten times greater in dogs with cryptorchidism than in normal dogs. If both testicles are in the abdomen, a single abdominal incision will allow access to both. Owners should not breed cats that have been diagnosed with or treated for cryptorchidism. There are 2 main locations for the undescended testicle(s) to end up: Depending upon the location, your vet may be able to locate the undescended testicle during a physical exam.Diagnosing cryptorchidism in catsSometimes, it can be tricky to diagnose a newly adopted kitty with cryptorchidism. If anyones had an older dog neutered, please share your experiences. Cryptorchidism is the medical term that refers to the failure of one or both testicles (testes) to descend into the scrotum. The diagnosis of bilateral cryptorchidism can be based on the presence of barbs on the penis after 9 months of age.What problems are caused by cryptorchidism in cats?Leaving a cryptorchid cat intact (i.e. Normally hes wide awake and demanding breakfast this time of morning, instead hes awake but drowsing next to me, occasionally making little whiny breaths and shuffling around to a more comfortable position. An Elizabethan collar may be necessary to keep your cat from licking or biting at his incision. This genetic predisposition may be exacerbated by inbreeding and continuing to breed affected males. Canine cryptorchidism. The condition is commonly seen in families of cats and appears to be inherited, although the exact cause is not fully understood.
Complications With Cryptorchidism in Dogs - Daily Puppy Figure 2. Feline cryptorchidism, also called undescended testicle or retained testicle, is a condition where one or both of the testicles stay in the belly, instead of being in the scrotum or sac. Retained testes are smaller and, viewed histologically, the diameter of the seminiferous tubules is reduced by up to 60 % compared to those of scrotal testes [14]. Spermatic cord torsion, in which the spermatic cord becomes twisted, can also occur due to cryptorchidism left untreated for an extended period of time. The prognosis for most kittens undergoing this surgery generally ranges from good to excellent. Cats who have suffered from cryptorchidism into maturity may have a more uncertain outlook than those who have not. Your email address will not be published. A non-castrated male with no testes present in the scrotum is a bilateral cryptorchid (i.e., a bilaterally cryptorchid individual). An incision In a cryptorchid cat, examination of the penis for presence of spines is an excellent diagnostic technique. Prevents life-threatening transformation of an intra-abdominal testicle into cancer. the scrotum at birth or shortly there after. The cat will generally not exhibit any concerning health symptoms unless the retained testicles are left in the body until adulthood. Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. During the recovery period, cats should rest, not engaging in outdoor activity. It is recommended to wait up to about six months of age before declaring a dog or a cat cryptorchid. Your cat was sedated or given general anesthesia during the procedure. The testicles should be readily palpable within the scrotum. During the recovery period, cats should rest, not engaging in outdoor activity. Owners should monitor for swelling, pus, or bleeding near the surgical site. In most cases of cryptorchidism, the testicle is retained in the abdomen or in the inguinal canal (the passage through the abdominal wall into the genital region through which a testicle normally descends). College of Veterinary Medicine, We are looking at Adopting a Male Stray from a local shelter. often completely functional but should still be removed. The cat was irritable and difficult to handle. to the small testis adjacent to the pubic symphysis. The risk of neoplasia in retained testis has been reported to be 9 to 14 times higher than in the scrotal testis [7,8], with Sertoli cell tumors and seminomas being the most common tumors [9]. Questions to ask you veterinarian if your cat is cryptorchid: Kidney Stones in Cats: What You Need to Know, 5 Tricky Conditions You Might THINK are Hairballs, Cryptorchidism in Cats (Undescended Testicles), Where the abdomen meets the back leg (called the inguinal region [inguinal cryptorchidism]). The key for finding the retained testis is to identify and follow the ductus deferensleading to the testis. The prognosis is excellent for dogs that undergo surgery early before problems develop in the retained testicle. Depending on the operation your cat has undergone, wounds may be repaired with stitches, staples, or even internal sutures to keep them from bleeding out. Most of the studies reporting the success of the hormonal treatment are based on clinical case follow-ups and lack control cases. Occasionally, a testicle may become trapped in muscular tissue. A higher incidence of cryptorchidism has been reported in small-breed compared to large-breed dogs [15]. not neutered) can cause two serious health problems: Treating cryptorchidism in catsRegardless of your cats age, when the disorder is diagnosed and whether it is unilateral or bilateral, it is always recommended that you have it corrected. cat is still young to avoid complications in the future.
Undescended testicle - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. If you have been given an Elizabethan-type protection collar (also known as a cone or E-collar), please make sure that it is worn at all times to discourage chewing. There is also an increased risk that a retained testicle will become cancerous. If they are wearing a bandage, it may become entangled or soiled, and your pet will not be as adept at fleeing from danger as they are accustomed to. . Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. Some dogs may develop hormonal or endocrine problems due to undescended testicle, and may not grow or develop normally. It is common to detect bruising around the surgery site in cats with light skin tones. The clinical signs associated with testicular cancer depend upon the specific type of cancer. He does seem good. Should I be concerned? Blood seepage occurs intermittently and lasts for more than twenty-four hours. Therefore, most of the cryptorchids show sexual desire and can achieve erection [13]. Krista Williams, BSc, DVM, CCRP; Ryan Llera, BSc, DVM; Robin Downing, DVM, CVPP, CCRP, DAAPM, Ernest Ward, DVM. Canine cryptorchid surgery - YouTube Sign in to confirm your age 0:00 / 1:24 Sign in to confirm your age This video may be inappropriate for some users. The cryptorchid neuter is a A little post-surgical cough will typically subside within a few days of the procedure. Aside from that, many cats have surgery and receive intravenous (IV) fluids through an IV catheter, which requires the hair to be removed for the region to be adequately cleansed before the catheter can be inserted. He hasn't been trying to lick/scratch them at all yet, but he does seem to be uncomfortable.
Cryptorchid Cat Surgery Recovery - Cat Vet Info Although not a common occurrence, torsion of the spermatic cord may occur with an abdominal testis, and may lead to sudden abdominal pain and other complications.